ignite
Other forms: ignited; igniting; ignites
Ignite is a verb that means to start heat or a flame. Trying to ignite a match inside a dark fireworks factory is a really bad idea — one that can get you blown sky high.
The literal definition of ignite is to cause something to catch fire or burn. Dousing a house in gasoline and putting a lit match to the front door will surely cause the home to ignite. In its more figurative sense, ignite means to inspire intense feelings. A passionate kiss can ignite a fiery romance and a controversial speech can ignite fierce anger.
Definitions of ignite
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cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat“Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter”
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synonyms:
light
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Antonyms:
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blow out, extinguish, quench, snuff out
put out, as of fires, flames, or lights
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types:
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fire up, light, light up
begin to smoke
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reignite
ignite anew, as of something burning
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conflagrate, enkindle, inflame, kindle
cause to start burning
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light up
ignite
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flare up
ignite quickly and suddenly, especially after having died down
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rekindle
kindle anew, as of a fire
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inflame, kindle
catch fire
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blow out, extinguish, quench, snuff out
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start to burn or burst into flames“Marsh gases ignited suddenly”
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synonyms:
catch fire, combust, conflagrate, erupt, take fire
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types:
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blow out
erupt in an uncontrolled manner
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catch
start burning
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light up
start to burn with a bright flame
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type of:
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change state, turn
undergo a transformation or a change of position or action
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blow out
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arouse or excite feelings and passions
Pronunciation
US
/ɪgˈnaɪt/
UK
/ɪgˈnaɪt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ignite'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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